When scientists talk about the cryosphere, they mean the places on Earth where water is in its solid form, frozen into ice or snow. Read more ...

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Overview

The Submarine Arctic Science Program, SCICEX, is a federal interagency collaboration among the operational Navy, research agencies, and the marine research community to use nuclear-powered submarines for scientific studies of the Arctic Ocean. Unlike surface ships, submarines have the unique ability to operate and take measurements regardless of sea ice cover, weather conditions, and time of year. This allows for a broad and comprehensive investigation of an entire ocean basin. The goal of the program is to acquire comprehensive data about Arctic sea ice, water properties (biological, chemical, and hydrographic), and water depth (bathymetry) to improve our understanding of the Arctic Ocean basin and its role in the Earth's climate system.

Breaking the Ice

Polar bears investigate a U.S. Navy submarine that has just broken through the Arctic sea ice. Courtesy ASL.

XCTD Launch

Crewman "Ted" Groustra loads an XCTD for launching. Courtesy ASL

Science Lab on a Sub

The science laboratory (a.k.a. the torpedo room) on the USS Hawkbill during SCICEX-99. Courtesy ASL.

A Porthole to Another World

View of the science lab through the door porthole. Courtesy ASL.

Sub at the Ice Camp

Crew members of an ice camp clear the sea ice from the hatch of a submarine that has just broken through the ice. Courtesy ASL.

National Ice Center Sea Ice Charts

SCICEX was officially launched in 1994 after a successful feasibility test in 1993 where civilian scientists joined Navy personnel on a submarine to acquire scientific data. From 1995–1999, five more dedicated science cruises were completed aboard nuclear-powered submarines. Since then, a modified approach has been taken, where some time is set aside for the collection of unclassified scientific data during otherwise classified submarine exercises. These are known as Science Accommodation Missions (SAMs) which are facilitated by the Arctic Submarine Lab (ASL). Guidance on data collection priorities during a SAM is provided in the SCICEX Phase II Science Plan. The most recent SAM took place in November 2012. See a list of all the SCICEX Cruise Dates.